Babies 'are good for you'

The arrival of a first baby may herald a new era of stress and sleeplessness but it does encourage parents to adopt a healthier diet, a consumer survey has found.

After starting a family, household consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables rises by 18 per cent and parents consume 11 per cent more organic produce because of the health benefits, according tothe market analyst Datamonitor. New parents spend 26 per cent less at restaurants and 28 per cent less on drinks in pubs. They are also more likely to use internet and home shopping services. Many reported a significant change in their outlook on life, taking a more philosophical view of the world and becoming more concerned with issues of welfare.